At a glance

Your chance to

At a glance

7 nights participatory wild camping

Ideal for photographers and nature lovers

Involves wild camping on river banks

Must be comfortable around water

Raft the length of the famous Colorado River

Aboard specially designed motorised rafts, we leave civilization far behind and embark upon an exhilarating journey travelling the entire length of the Grand Canyon. Sculpted over millions of years by the Colorado River, immense rock walls tower almost a mile above us, and we can explore gigantic side caverns and waterfalls. Along the banks Bighorn sheep and Ringtail cats forage, whilst Golden eagles and falcons soar overhead.

Itinerary

Show detailed itinerary

1Day 1Start Las Vegas; early 5:00am departure to Lees Ferry from where our journey along the Colorado River and into the dramatic Grand Canyon begins.

Please ensure that you have checked out of your room, had breakfast and are waiting in the hotel reception by 5:00am. Once the group has assembled and you've met your leader, you will transfer to the historic Lees Ferry to begin your Grand Canyon rafting adventure.See more images and videos

Raft the length of the Grand Canyon in comfort aboard specially engineered 37ft motorised rafts. The pace is leisurely and there is plenty to see and do en route: hiking, swimming, wildlife and bird spotting (including Golden eagles, Bighorn sheep and coyotes), exploring ancient Indian ruins, and of course appreciating the grandeur of one of the natural wonders of the world, the Grand Canyon itself.
Ride exhilarating whitewater rapids (up to grade IV), enjoy freshly prepared gourmet meals, and sleep beneath the Milky Way. It is not possible to give an exact day by day itinerary for this part of the tour, but we will spend the next week navigating the twists, turns and rapids of the Colorado River amidst the Grand Canyon by motorised raft.
Travelling the full length of the Grand Canyon, there is a lot of ground to cover and plenty to see and do along the way. We'll negotiate the whitewater rapids of the Colorado River (up to Grade IV) and also enjoy the serenity of the more tranquil stretches. Leading off from the main canyon itself are numerous side canyons, caverns and waterfalls just waiting to be discovered. There's no shortage of water for swimming opportunities, but dry ground is never far away either so we'll also get the change stretch our legs on a series of short walks to gain a different perspective of the scenery.
Our knowledgeable guide(s) will teach us about the landforms and geological formations, as well as the array of flora and fauna. With a keen eye looking skyward we may see many species of birds, including birds of prey such as Golden eagles and falcons, whilst along the river banks cacti, wild flowers, Bighorn sheep, Mule deer, coyotes and Ringtail cats may be seen.
We focus on enjoying the sights and sounds of the river, its hidden trails, secluded riverside campsites and stunning canyon sunrises and sunsets.
A typical day on the river
7:00am - We wake to the aroma of fresh-brewed coffee. Although the sun will not flood our camp for some time, tops of the Grand Canyon's walls already are aglow with sunlight. While eggs, sausage, and muffins cook, sleeping bags are being packed.
9:00am - We enter a series of rapids. A Great Blue heron takes off down-river, wings pumping. Both bird and its surroundings seem somehow prehistoric. We stop to explore a narrow, beautifully sculptured wash named Shinumo. In shadow, all but fleeting moments each day, its polished silver walls shed a light of their own. To see the sky, you must tilt your head back with great effort.
11:00am - South Canyon intersects the river, signaling that Vasey's Paradise is just ahead. A paradise, indeed! Sunlight seems to explode from the fountains of water gushing from the Grand Canyon's walls. Lush growths of moss and ferns in this 'paradise' seem strangely out of place in such a desert setting. We drift close to the gushing water, giving everyone aboard a welcome shower.
12:00 Noon - Our boats stop for lunch in the shade of Redwall Cavern. Inside this great cave, there's room enough for a game of softball!
2:00pm - As two Golden eagles soar lazily overhead, we drift quietly and our boatman tells us the story of Bert Loper's historic river run in 1949. We feel the heat, but soon a roller coaster rapid refreshes us. We sight moon lilies, abloom at the mouth of Saddle Canyon. A hike to explore Saddle is topped off with a cold soda.
6:00pm - We make for Nankoweap, site of ancient Indian ruins, and our campsite tonight. After a dinner of fillet, dutch-oven potatoes, green salad, and cherry cobbler, we hike to the ruins, and view the river below.
9:00pm - Those who cannot stay awake find their sleeping bags. Bed tonight is beneath the Milky Way, and a canopy of stars that dwarfs even the Grand Canyon.See more images and videos

Mid-morning we are met by a speedboat which transports guests across the calm headwaters of Lake Mead to South Cove, Arizona, at which point we say farewell to our tour guides.
We'll return you by coach to the Residence Inn by Marriott, arriving late in the day. The driving time from South Cove is approximately 3 hours. Upon debarkation at South Cove it will be necessary for you to unpack your clothing, camera, and personal articles from the waterproof bag and camera case we've provided. Our company representative will meet you at trips end and supply you with a clear plastic bag in which you may transfer your belongings for the trip back to Las Vegas. This clear plastic bag is necessary to meet the requirements imposed by Hoover Dam Security. On your return to Las Vegas you will cross Hoover Dam. The camera case and waterproof bag will be emptied prior to boarding the bus.
The tour ends at the Residence Inn by Marriott hotel at approximately 17:00hrs. If you are planning to depart this evening, please do not book a flight that departs before approximately 21:00hrs as we can not guarantee that you will make your flight in time. Contact our sales team if you would like for us to book accommodation for you in Las Vegas.See more images and videos

Your images

Guided Group

This is a small group adult holiday. The group is usually between 5 and 20 in size, with an average of 15 like-minded clients booking individually, in a couple or as friends together.

Activity level

You are moderately fit and possess a spirit of adventure. Some previous experience is required for most activity based trips.

What's included

What's included

All breakfasts, 8 lunches, 7 dinners

All accommodation (see below) (camping)

All transport and listed activities

Tour leader throughout

Flights from London (if booking incl. flights)

Local guide/boatman

What's not included

Travel insurance

Single accommodation (tents) - (available on request)

Visas or vaccinations

Airport transfers

Pre & Post tour accommodation

Accommodation details

Camping

7 nights participatory wild camping along the length of the Grand Canyon. Camping is wild and participatory, so there are no facilities and you will be expected to get involved and help out.

Essential info

Vaccinations and Visa
British, New Zealand, Swiss and most EU passport holders do not need a visa (and enter the country under the Visa Waiver Program), provided they are in possession of an onward air ticket when entering the USA. Visas for the USA are required by some nationalities, including South African, Greek and Portuguese passport holders.
All passengers travelling to and from the U.S. under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) are required to hold a machine-readable passport (MRP). A MRP has the holder's personal details, e.g. name, date of birth, nationality and their passport number contained in two lines of text at the base of the photo page. This text may be read by machine. The US now charges USD14 for the visa waiver program and must be paid by credit card.
The US authorities have introduced a mandatory requirement for all passengers travelling under the Visa Waiver Programme to register for an Electronic Travel Authority. For additional specifics about the VWP please consult the VWP information on the U.S. Embassy London website. More information and all necessary Internet links can be found at www.exodus.co.uk/Usvisa
There are no mandatory vaccinations required for this trip. Holiday style

This tour is operated in partnership with our sister company Grand American Adventures (GAA), and is run by a local specialist rafting company. As such the departures are not exclusive to Exodus and groups may be a mixture of Exodus, Grand American Adventures, and other clients. This trip is booked through Exodus and you will receive the same award winning customer service that you are used to. GAA operate with the same core principles used by Exodus and champion the benefits of small group travel.

Rafting and camping along the Colorado River makes this tour the ultimate way to explore the Grand Canyon. With a relaxed pace and tranquil surroundings, this adventure tour is suitable for anyone with a passion for the great outdoors, and is perfect for observing wildlife in its natural habitat.

No previous rafting experience is required. We do however, suggest that you are confident in and around water and that you are willing to live without a mobile phone signal for the duration of the trip! If you are unable to swim this is not a problem as we will supply U.S. Coast Guard approved life preservers, which each person is required to wear at all times when aboard the boat. Families can be accommodated on this trip, subject to availability, as long as children are over the age of 12.

The rafts themselves are specially engineered 37-foot motorised crafts. Although the safety and manoeuvrability engineered into the S-Rig have minimized the effort required to boat through the Canyon, they have not at all diminished the thrills of whitewater river running. The most formidable rapids of the Colorado, which Major Powell and other early explorers were forced to portage around are now amongst the most eagerly anticipated highlights.

Eating & drinking

The freshly prepared gourmet meals are a real highlight of this trip. All meals whilst on the river are included on this tour, which comprises of 7 breakfasts, 8 lunches and 7 dinners.

The design of our boats enables us to carry several hundred pounds of ice, which will last the entire trip. Every meal is prepared with fresh meats and produce. All food is prepared by our boatmen, who have mastered the art of Dutch-oven cooking. We provide generous quantities of cold soft drinks, fruit juice and filtered water which are available to you throughout the day.

Breakfasts are bacon or sausage, eggs with muffins, pancakes or french toast. Fruit and cereal, juice, coffee, cocoa and tea are available each morning. Lunches are picnic style. They consist of a selection of delicatessen meats and cheeses, pickles, tomatoes, lettuce, onions, and olives. You make your own sandwich with a choice of breads. Chips, cookies, fruit, nuts, and candy are served and a choice of drinks (juice, soda pop, water) are available.

Dinners are filling, as they should be after an activity-filled day. Main dishes include filet mignon, halibut, Mexican dinners, shrimp, pork filet, chicken, and pasta. Each night we serve a salad, either tossed, green, fruit or vegetable. We also serve a cooked vegetable such as corn, carrots, zucchini, tomatoes, and potatoes. Desserts consist of Dutch-Oven cakes or cobblers, pound cake, fruit and cookies. A selection of cold beverages is always available.

Trip notes

Download the detailed trip notes for everything you could possibly want
to know about this trip, including detailed itinerary and full kit list.

Weather & seasonality

Temperatures in the canyon vary depending on location, season, and year. Even during the warmest months of the season, you will find that it is not hot on our expeditions. The dry climate of the Grand Canyon combined with swimming and frequent rapids will keep you comfortable.

The water at Lees Ferry is quite cold (55degF) because it is released from the bottom of Glen Canyon Dam (Lake Powell) just 15 miles upstream. Sunny days and incoming side streams help increase water temperatures as you travel downstream.

Gallery

Reviews & community

This was such a fantastic trip, with amazing views and exceeded my expectation of the holiday

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

The views were amazing and every day was so different. Sleeping out under the stars was amazing experience. I experienced a sand storm and one night a thunder storm, never seen anything like it, sat out in my chair watching the new water fall from the rocks on the other side of the river that was being lit up by the lightening.

What did you think of your group leader?

Fantastic, Adam was a real legend for sure. He was on the TV show with Dan Snow. Told wonderful stories every night and was so knowledgable. I was looked after so well and felt very safe. Mr Kitty and Bird were also so fantastic and they worked great as a team. If you are thinking about going then Do It.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Make sure that you pack light but have the correct gear. Read the list provided and ask for advice, just remember if you sit on the front of the raft you do get very wet and the water is cold. It was such an exciting holiday and great to meet so many Americans.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Don't be afraid to do it, you will have such fantastic memories and take lots of pictures. It's worth the money as you are so well looked after. The food is fantastic and if you have any special dietary needs they cater for those and it's never too much trouble. I loved the freshly baked cake every night and the cooked breakfasts. Be prepared to join in with the work, it's gets done so much quicker and is fun doing the zipper line.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

A trip with a difference, and I have been on many. There is the adrenaline rush of shooting the rapids. Awesome.
There is the majestic peace and tranquility of coasting down a magnificent river between the rapids and then there are the walks up the side canyons to take a shower in absolutely spell binding waterfalls.
You would normally only have one or possibly two of these experiences on a trip.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

We wild camped for the week. Never sure where we would park the boats. Toilets to the left, sleeping accommodation to the right and despite this our crew still managed to bake a cake each night for desert. Unbelievable but true.

What did you think of your group leader?

What a character and story teller. Spell binding.
Two of our leaders took us for a walk up a canyon and then entertained us with some beautiful Indian flute music and then American folk/rock music.
What a crew.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

The Colorado is a fixed 50 degrees and hits you like a cold shower so good water proofs are definatley recommended. Don't forget the extra batteries for the camera.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

If your number of trips are limited, then this one I would recommend because of its huge variety of experiences

Questions about your trip

Pick your question

I'm travelling via the US, do I need a visa?

Most clients are eligible to travel via the US under the US Visa Waiver Programme, however to do this you must register for an ETA (Electronic Travel Authority). This must be done prior to departure - more details can be found at www.exodus.co.uk/usvisa.

Rebecca Caldicott - Customer Operations

Exodus staff - expertise on hand to help

All the staff at Exodus share a passion for adventure travel, and are always happy to answer any questions you may have. You can find an expert for the area you are interested in here and can contact them to get further information. If you don't see your specific country listed, please email customerops@exodus.co.uk and they will get the answers you need!

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